2/16/16

From Mark Copeland... "THE BOOK OF ISAIAH" Prophecies Concerning The Nations (13-27)


                          "THE BOOK OF ISAIAH"

               Prophecies Concerning The Nations (13-27)

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS SECTION

1) To survey the prophecies of Isaiah concerning the nations surrounding
   Judah, related to the rise and fall of Babylon and restoration of
   Israel after her captivity

2) To glean the importance of an obedient trust in the Lord and waiting
   for His ultimate deliverance

SUMMARY

From prophetic utterances related to Judah and Jerusalem (chs. 1-12),
Isaiah expands his horizon to include prophecies concerning the
surrounding nations (chs. 13-27).  Nearly all are introduced as a
"burden" (e.g., 13:1; 15:1; 17:1).  Barnes says "...the term is applied
to those oracles or prophetic declarations which contain sentiments
especially weighty and solemn; which are employed chiefly in denouncing
wrath and calamity; and which, therefore, are represented as weighing
down, or oppressing the mind and heart of the prophet."  In pronouncing
God's judgments on the nations, Isaiah reveals the Lord not only as the
God of Israel, but the God who rules in all the nations of men 
(cf. Dan 5:18-21).

The first "burden" pertains to Babylon (13:1-14:23), upon whom "the day
of the Lord" is described in figurative terms depicting worldwide and
universal calamities (13:9-13).  The actual instrument of God's judgment
is identified as the Medes (13:17), who together with the Persians did
in fact conquer Babylon (cf. Dan 5:28-31).  The fall of Babylon will
result in Israel's restoration, prompting a proverb to be sung against
the king of Babylon (14:3-4) whose arrogance would lead him to the
depths of Sheol.

Judgment on Assyria is pronounced (14:24-27), the dominant empire in
the days of Isaiah about which much has already been said (cf. 10:5-19),
with a brief mention of how God would "break the Assyrian in My land",
the fulfillment of which is later described by Isaiah (cf. 37:36-38).

In the year that King Ahaz died, Isaiah received a burden against
Philistia, Israel's longtime nemesis.  They were not to rejoice over the
death of their enemy's king, for their destruction was coming while the
Lord would continue to uphold Zion, or Jerusalem (14:28-33).

The judgment on Moab is next foretold (15:1-16:14), her destruction
related to her pride (16:6-7).  Unlike other prophecies that were
general and indefinite, this one came with a definite time period in
which it was to be fulfilled.

The fall of Syria (Damascus) and Israel (Ephraim) are described together
(17:1-14), appropriate in light of their  alliance against Judah (cf.
7:1-2).  The strongholds in the nations' capitals will become desolate.
While a remnant of Israel will be spared, and men will turn from their
idols back to God, trouble will be in store for those who sought to
plunder God's people.

Ethiopia, "the land shadowed with buzzing wings" will be chastised for
seeking an alliance with a nation "tall and smooth of skin".  Indeed,
the very nation they sought help from would send a present to the Lord
of Hosts (18:1-7).

The burden against Egypt (19:1-25) is introduced by the figure of the
Lord "riding on a swift cloud" as He comes in judgment.  The actual
nature of God's judgment is described as first civil war (19:2) and then
foreign occupation (19:4).  The Nile will turn foul, and the Lord will
confound the famed wisdom of Egypt.  But eventually Egypt would come to
fear the Lord and even be blessed along with Israel and Assyria
(19:24-25).

The prophecies against Egypt and Ethiopia were reinforced by Isaiah
being used by God to serve as a visible sign.  For three years Isaiah
had to walk barefoot and naked, depicting their future captivity by the
king of Assyria (20:1-7).

The burden against the Wilderness of the Sea comes next (21:1-10).
Mention of Elam (Persia) and Media (the Medes) along with proclamation
"Babylon is fallen, is fallen!" lead many commentators to suggest this
is a proclamation against Babylon.  It may describe the distress to be
felt by the captives in the land of Babylon.  A brief burden against
Dumah (Edom) is mentioned (21:11-12), depicting the perplexity to be
felt by them at that time.  Likewise a brief burden against Arabia
(21:13-17), in which  the fall of the glory of Kedar (Arabia in general)
is foretold.

The burden against the Valley Of Vision (22:1-25) evidently refers to
the city of Jerusalem.  A siege is depicted, in which efforts to defend
the city fail because they do not include God and heeding the calls to
repent.  The treasurer under King Hezekiah (Shebna) will be removed from
office and replaced by Eliakim, God's servant.

The last "burden" in this section pertains to the city of Tyre
(23:1-18).  Those who traded with her will be dismayed when they hear of
her fall, a destruction to come at the hands of the Chaldeans.  For
seventy years Tyre will be forgotten, but then restored.  The fruit of
her "labor" will be devoted to the Lord and His people.

This section ends with prophecies related to Judah in particular,
apparently designed to comfort the faithful for the days ahead
(24:1-27:13).  God's judgment upon the land is depicted in worldwide
terms, similar to those used to describe the judgment upon Babylon
(24:1,3-6; cf. 13:9-11).  While desolation will initially remove song
and drink in the land, the remnant will glorify the Lord in song
(24:1-16a).  The judgment of the wicked who afflict the righteous will
be inescapable and complete, and the Lord will reign on Mount Zion
(24:16b-23).  This leads the prophet to offer songs of praise for God's
judgments, in which an ungodly city (Babylon?) is made a ruin and
enemies (e.g., Moab) trampled down, while wonderful things will be done
for God's people in His mountain and holy city (25:1-26:6).  Isaiah
reflects on God's judgments, expressing his trust and hope in God,
pleading with his people to quietly wait for the Lord (26:7-21).  When
the Lord has slain the great serpent Leviathan (Babylon?), another song
of the vineyard will be song about flourishing Israel (27:1-6; cf.
5:1-7).  Whereas Israel received measured discipline, the enemies of
Israel were to receive no mercy, and God's people from Egypt to Assyria
would return to worship in the holy mount at Jerusalem (27:7-13).

OUTLINE

I. PROPHECIES CONCERNING VARIOUS NATIONS (13:1-23:18)

   A. JUDGMENT AGAINST BABYLON...
      1. The judgment announced - 13:1-16
         a. The summoning of the army for battle - 13:1-5
         b. The coming destruction of "the day of the Lord" - 13:6-16
      2. The instrument and extent of God's judgment - 13:17-22
         a. He will stir up the Medes against them - 13:17-18
         b. Babylon will be desolated like Sodom and Gomorrah - 13:19-22
      3. The Lord's mercy on Israel - 14:1-2
         a. The house of Jacob will be resettled in their own land
            - 14:1a
         b. Strangers will receive them and even serve them - 14:1b-2
      4. The proverb (song) against Babylon's king - 14:3-21
         a. To be sung when the Lord gives rest to Israel - 14:3-4a
         b. The oppressor's fall ends the cruelty of Babylon - 14:4b-6
         c. The earth and trees break out into song - 14:7-8
         d. Sheol is excited over its reception of the king - 14:9-11
         e. The extent of the fall of the king of Babylon (Lucifer)
            - 14:12-17
         f. The king will have a dishonorable burial, his children
            slaughtered - 14:18-21
      5. Summation of God's judgment and desolation on Babylon
         - 14:22-23

   B. JUDGMENT AGAINST ASSYRIA...
      1. God's purpose is to destroy Assyria - 14:24-25
      2. His purpose cannot be annulled - 14:26-27

   C. JUDGMENT AGAINST PHILISTIA...
      1. Despite the death of Ahaz, desolation will be total - 14:28-31
      2. While Zion shall provide refuge for God's people - 14:32

   D. JUDGMENT AGAINST MOAB...
      1. Desolation and wailing foretold for the cities of Moab - 15:1-4
      2. Even the Lord will cry for Moab, when drought and lions afflict
         the land - 15:5-9
      3. Moab encouraged to make peace with Israel, show kindness to her
         outcasts; for mercy, justice and righteousness will come from
         One in the tabernacle of David - 16:1-5
      4. Moab's notable pride and the coming desolation - 16:6-8
      5. The Lord will bewail the destruction of Moab - 16:9-12
      6. The time period set for Moab's judgment - 16:13-14

   E. JUDGMENT AGAINST SYRIA AND ISRAEL...
      1. The fall of Damascus (Syria) and Ephraim (Israel) foretold
         - 17:1-3
      2. The glory of Jacob will wane, but a remnant will be spared
         - 17:4-6
      3. In that day a man will return to the Lord, not to idols
         - 17:7-8
      4. In that day the cities will be desolate, because Israel forgot
         her God - 17:9-11
      5. The unexpected collapse of the nations who plunder - 17:12-14

   F. JUDGMENT AGAINST ETHIOPIA...
      1. Woe for trusting in diplomacy and alliances - 18:1-2
      2. For the Lord will take care of the enemy in His own time f
         - 18:3-6
      3. And the dreaded enemy (or potential ally) will eventually bring
         homage to the Lord - 18:7

   G. JUDGMENT AGAINST EGYPT...
      1. The Lord will bring civil strife and tyranny upon the nation
         - 19:1-4
      2. The Nile will turn foul, devastating those who depend upon it
         - 19:5-10
      3. The Lord will confound the famed Egyptian wisdom - 19:11-15
      4. In that day Egypt will fear the Lord and the land of Judah
         - 19:16-17
      5. In that day Egypt will turn to the Lord and be blessed along
         with Assyria - 19:18-25

   H. ISAIAH - A SIGN AGAINST EGYPT AND ETHIOPIA...
      1. Isaiah serves as a sign when Assyria invaded Ashdod - 20:1-4
         a. By walking naked and barefoot for three years - 20:1-2
         b. To portend the captivity of Egypt and Ethiopia - 20:3-4
      2. To discourage placing hope in those nations for deliverance
         from Assyria - 20:5-6

   I. JUDGMENT AGAINST BABYLON, EDOM, AND ARABIA...
      1. The burden against the Wilderness of the Sea (Babylon)
         - 21:1-10
         a. Like a whirlwind, Elam and Media (Persia) to plunder the
            land - 21:1-2
         b. Isaiah distressed when he heard and saw that to come
            - 21:3-4
         c. A watchman appointed, who reports the fall of Babylon
            - 21:5-9
         d. To those (Judah?) who have experienced his threshing, Isaiah
            has declared what God has told him - 21:10
      2. The burden against Dumah (Edom) - 21:11-12
         a. Isaiah is inquired by those from Seir, "Watchman, what of
            the night?" - 21:11
         b. His reply suggests their inquiry was not sincere; he calls
            for them to return (to God?) - 21:12
      3. The burden against Arabia - 21:13-17
         a. Judgment to involve fleeing caravans - 21:13-15
         b. Within a year the glory of Kedar will fail - 21:16-17

   J. JUDGMENT AGAINST JERUSALEM...
      1. The city shall be under siege - 22:1-7
      2. Efforts to defend the city fail to include God - 22:8-11
      3. Judgment to come for their failure to heed calls for repentance
         - 22:12-14
      4. Shebna (treasurer under King Hezekiah) to be removed - 22:15-19
      5. The Lord to replace him with Eliakim, who will serve as a
         symbol of security - 22:20-24
      6. Yes, the day will come when the peg (Shebna) will be removed
         - 22:25

   K. JUDGMENT AGAINST TYRE...
      1. The dismay of those who traded with Tyre when they hear of her
         fall - 23:1-7
      2. Her destruction planned by the Lord, carried out by the
         Chaldeans - 23:8-14
      3. For seventy years Tyre will be forgotten - 23:15a
      4. Tyre will be restored, and her 'service' devoted to the Lord
         and His people - 23:15b-18

II. PROPHECIES CONCERNING JUDAH IN PARTICULAR (24:1-27:13)

   A. GOD'S JUDGMENT ON THE LAND...
      1. Administered by the Lord, it is thorough - 24:1-3
      2. Rendered to haughty people due to their disobedience - 24:4-6
      3. Desolation removes song and drink - 24:7-12
      4. The remnant will glorify the Lord in song - 24:13-16a
      5. The prophet bewails being afflicted by the wicked, but
         proclaims their judgment will be inescapable and complete - 24:
         16b-20
      6. Following the judgment of His rivals, the Lord will reign on
         Mount Zion - 24:21-23

   B. SONGS OF PRAISE FOR GOD'S JUDGMENT...
      1. For overthrowing the ungodly city that oppressed His people
         - 25:1-5
      2. For the wonderful things God will do for His people in His
         mountain - 25:6-9
      3. For overthrowing Moab, typifying God's judgment on His enemies
         - 25:10-12
      4. For the strong city of God in which the righteous will enter
         - 26:1-6

   C. PRAYERFUL REFLECTION ON GOD'S JUDGMENTS...
      1. The prophet's trust in God, while the wicked refuses - 26:7-11
      2. The prophet's hope in the Lord's peace and restoration of the
         nation - 26:12-15
      3. The prophet's confidence that all who trust in the Lord will
         rise from the dead - 26:16-19
      4. The prophet's plea for his people to quietly wait for the Lord
         - 26:20-21

   D. THE FUTURE PROSPERITY OF ZION...
      1. In that day, Leviathan the great serpent will be destroyed
         - 27:1
      2. In that day, another "song of the vineyard":  Israel shall
         flourish - 27:2-6; cf. 5:1-7
      3. Israel's punishment is in measure, only for a time - 27:7-9
      4. Her enemies will receive no mercy - 27:10-11
      5. In that day, the Lord will gather His people from Egypt and
         Assyria to worship in the holy mount at Jerusalem - 27:12-13

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THIS SECTION

1) What is suggested as the theme of Isaiah chapters 13-27?
   - Prophecies Concerning The Nations

2) What are the two main divisions of this section?
   - Prophecies concerning various nations (13-23)
   - Prophecies concerning Judah in particular (24-27)

3) Against what nation does Isaiah prophecy first? (13:1)
   - Babylon

4) In announcing the judgment against Babylon, what does Isaiah say is
   "at hand"? (13:6)
   - The day of the Lord (cf. Isa 13:9)

5) In describing Babylon's judgment, how is it figuratively depicted?
   (13:9-13)
   - As a worldwide judgment, with universal calamities

6) Whom will God stir up against Babylon as part of this judgment?
   (13:17)
   - The Medes

7) What will be the end of the city of Babylon? (13:19-20)
   - It will be devastated like Sodom and Gomorrah; inhabited by wild
     beasts, and not man

8) What will  happen to Jacob or Israel during this time? (14:1)
   - The Lord will show mercy, and take their captors captive

9) When Babylon falls, against whom shall Israel take a proverb?
   (14:3-4)
   - The king of Babylon

10) How is the judgment of this individual described?  By what name is
    he called? (14:9-20)
   - Descending in shame to Sheol (hell); Lucifer, son of the morning

11) Against what nation does Isaiah prophecy next?  What will God do?
    (14:24-25)
   - Assyria; break the Assyrian in His land

12) What nation's judgment described in the year Ahaz died?  What will
    God do? (14:28-30)
   - Philistia; slay the remnant

13) Against what nation does Isaiah prophesy in chapters 15-16?
   - Moab

14) What was that nation's primary sin?  What would happen within
    three years? (16:6-7,14)
   - Pride; the glory of Moab will be despised, the remnant small and
     feeble

15) Against what two nations does Isaiah prophesy in chapter 17?
   - Syria and Israel

16) What will happen to these two nations? (17:3-4)
   - The fortress will cease from Ephraim (Israel) and the kingdom from
     Damascus (Syria)
   - The remnant of Syria will be like the waning glory of Jacob
     (Israel)

17) What would happen as a result of this judgment? (17:7-8)
   - They would no longer look to their idols, but have respect for the
     Holy One of Israel

18) Why were their efforts to sow and harvest becoming a heap of ruins?
    (17:10-11)
   - They had forgotten the God of their salvation, the Rock of their
     stronghold

19) Against what nation is judgment proclaimed in chapter 18?
   - Ethiopia, the land shadowed with buzzing wings

20) To whom would this nation send ambassadors for help? (18:2)
   - A nation tall and smooth of skin (scattered and peeled, KJV)

21) What would the Lord do?  Who would bring a present to Mount Zion?
    (18:5-7)
   - Destroy their crops, leave them for birds of prey and beasts of the
     earth
   - A people tall and smooth of skin

22) Against what nation is judgment proclaimed in chapter 19?
   - Egypt

23) How is the Lord depicted as coming in judgment upon this nation?
    (19:1)
   - Riding on a swift cloud

24) In what two forms would judgment against this nation take place?
    (19:2,4)
   - Civil war and foreign occupation

25) How are future blessings described for this and two other nations?
    (19:23-25)
   - A highway from Egypt to Assyria, with both nations blessed along
     with Israel

26) How did Isaiah serve as a sign against Egypt and Ethiopia?  What did
    this symbolize? (20:2-4)
   - Walking barefoot and naked for three years; their captivity by the
     Assyrians

27) Against whom does Isaiah first prophesy in chapter 21? (21:1)
   - The Wilderness of the Sea

28) What two nations would be used to judge this nation? (21:2)
   - Elam (Persia) and Media (the Medes)

29) To which nation did this prophecy refer? (21:9)
   - Babylon ("Babylon is fallen, is fallen!")

30) Against what other two regions are judgments pronounced in chapter
    21? (21:11,13)
   - Dumah (Edom) and Arabia

31) Against whom does Isaiah first prophecy in chapter 22? (22:1)
   - The Valley of Vision (Jerusalem)

32) How would the city be defeated? (22:1-11)
   - Not by battle, for the rulers will have fled; instead by siege

33) Why would God not protect the city? (22:12-14)
   - When He called for weeping and sackcloth (repentance), they replied
     with joy and gladness "Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!"

34) Against what individual was judgment pronounced in chapter 22?
    (22:15-19)
   - Shebna the steward, who would be driven from office into exile

35) Who would replace this individual? (22:20-21)
   - Eliakim the son of Hilkiah (cf. Isa 36:3,11,22; 37:2)

36) Against what city does Isaiah prophesy in chapter 23?
   - Tyre

37) How would others react to the fall of this city? (23:1,4,5)
   - The ships of Tarshish (Spain) would wail
   - The city of Sidon would be ashamed
   - The country of Egypt would be in agony

38) What nation would bring this destruction to this city? (23:13)
   - The Chaldeans (Babylon)

39) How long would this city be forgotten? (23:15)
   - Seventy years

40) Concerning whom do the prophecies of chapters 24-27 refer? (24:23;
    25:6; 26:1; 27:13)
   - Judah, especially the faithful remnant; apparently written to
     comfort them during the coming invasions and difficult times to
     follow

41) What is first depicted in graphic terms? (24:1-6)
   - Calamities on the earth, in which few are left

42) When merriment ceases and the city destroyed, what shall the remnant
    do? (24:13-16)
   - Praise the majesty of the Lord from the ends of the earth

43) Shall those destined for judgment be able to escape? (24:17-18)
   - No, despite their efforts to flee

44) When the earth is shaken, the moon and sun disgraced, what will the
    Lord do? (24:19-23)
   - Reign gloriously on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem before His elders

45) What do we find Isaiah doing in chapter 25?  (25:1)
   - Offering a hymn of praise

46) What has the Lord done to cause Isaiah to respond in this way?
    (25:2-5)
   - Made a fortified city a ruin, while providing strength and refuge
     for the poor and needy

47) What will the Lord do in His mountain? (25:6-8)
   - Make for His people a feast
   - Remove the veil the covers all the nations
   - Swallow up death forever, wipe away tears, and remove the rebuke of
     His people

48) What will be said in that day? (25:9)
   - "Behold, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save
     us."
   - "This is the Lord; we have waited for Him; we will be glad and
      rejoice in His salvation."

49) Against whom in particular will judgment come? (25:10-12)
   - Moab with its pride

50) What will be sung in that day in the land of Judah? (26:1)
   - A song praising God for their strong city

51) What is said of those who trust in the Lord? (26:3-4)
   - The Lord will keep them in perfect peace; He will be their
     everlasting strength

52) What is the attitude of those who wait on the Lord? (26:8-9)
   - Their soul's desire is to seek the Lord

53) What is Isaiah's confidence in the Lord? (26:12,19)
   - The Lord will establish peace for His people; He will raise them
     from the dead

54) What does Isaiah counsel his people to do when the Lord begins His
    judgment? (26:20-21)
   - Hide themselves in their chambers until the indignation is past

55) Who would the Lord punish in that day? (27:1)
   - Leviathan the serpent (symbolizing Babylon?)

56) What will be sung in that day? (27:2-3)
   - "A vineyard of red wine!" (contrast this with Isa 5:1-7)

57) How was Israel's judgment different from nations that struck it?
    (27:7-9)
   - Israel's judgment was measured, with the purpose of removing its
     iniquity and idolatry

58) What would be the case of the 'fortified city' (Babylon)? (27:10-11)
   - It would be forsaken and desolate, with no mercy shown

59) What will the Lord do 'in that day'? (27:12-13)
   - Gather His people from Assyria and Egypt, and have them worship the
     Lord in Jerusalem (likely referring to the time of the restoration
     during the days of Ezra and Nehemiah)


Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2015

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From Mark Copeland.... "THE BOOK OF ISAIAH" Judah's True Hope: The Messianic King (7-12)


                          "THE BOOK OF ISAIAH"

              Judah's True Hope: The Messianic King (7-12)

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS SECTION

1) To note the prophecies of Isaiah during reign of Ahaz, king of Judah,
   those related to the Assyrian invasion and those that looked to the
   coming of the Messiah

2) To glean principles related to God's use of the nations in exercising
   His judgment

3) To consider "prophetic suggestion" as a concept to understanding
   Biblical prophecy

SUMMARY

Chapters seven through twelve complete the first major section of the
book of Isaiah (Prophecies Concerning Judah And Jerusalem, chs. 1-12).
They contain historical narrative and prophecies delivered during the
time of Ahaz, king of Judah (ca. 735-732 B.C.).  Jerusalem was being
threatened by Syria and Israel for refusing to join them in their
resistance against Assyria.  Ahaz and Judah were tempted to seek help
from Assyria in the north and Egypt in the south.  Isaiah and his sons
were used by God to encourage Ahaz and his nation to trust in the Lord,
not political alliances.  Isaiah's prophetic utterances not only looked
to the more immediate deliverance from God, but also to the time in
which God would provide ultimate deliverance for Judah.  This section
can therefore be entitled, "Judah's True Hope: The Messianic King
(7-12)" (as outlined by Edward J. Young).

Chapter seven describes The Syrian-Israel Crisis in which God sent
Isaiah and his son to encourage Ahaz and offer a sign from the Lord.
Though rebuffed by Ahaz, the Lord provides a sign related to a son to be
born of a virgin whose name would be Immanuel ("God with us").  Some
commentators opine that this prophecy had an initial fulfillment during
the time of Ahaz, but was intended by God to offer hope for a time yet
in the future:  "...nothing is more common in Isaiah than for him to
commence a prophecy with reference to some remarkable deliverance which
was soon to occur, and to terminate it by a statement of events
connected with a higher deliverance under the Messiah. By the laws of
'prophetic suggestion,' the mind of the prophet seized upon resemblances
and analogies; was carried on to future times, which were suggested by
something that he was saying or contemplating as about to occur, until
the mind was absorbed, and the primary object forgotten in the
contemplation of the more remote and glorious event." (Barnes).  That
this sign finds its ultimate fulfillment in the birth of the Messiah is
evident from Matthew's inspired application of it in his gospel (Mt
1:18-23).  While the sign was intended to show that Judah would be safe
from the threatened invasion by Syria and Israel, Isaiah does foresee
that Judah will later suffer desolation from Assyria and Egypt, the very
nations from which Ahaz was seeking help (7:1-25)!

Beginning with another sign (though some relate it to the same sign in
7:14) involving a son of Isaiah, we find prophecies pertaining to The
Assyrian Invader.  Syria and Israel will fall at the hands of the kings
of Assyria, who will then pass through Judah seeking to destroy it as
well.  Judah is encouraged to place their trust in God and His Word with
the assurance that better days are ahead.  This sparks another glimpse
into the time of the Messiah, when His coming and government will usher
in peace and justice.  In the meantime, Assyria's schemes are restricted
by God, who will allow the invader to do only what fits the Divine
Purpose in disciplining Judah and preserving a remnant of Israel.  Once
that purpose is accomplished, God will judge Assyria for its own
arrogance (8:1-10:34).

The prophecies concerning the invasion by Assyria and its aborted end
are followed by prophecies related to Judah's Hope In The Messiah.  From
the branch of Jesse (the father of David) will come One who will reign
in righteousness and peace, in Whom even the Gentiles will seek.  The
Lord will recover a remnant of Israel "a second time" to participate in
His reign.  They will be moved to offer hymns of praise for God's
wonderful salvation, inviting others to join with them (11:1-12:6).

As suggested before, the Messianic prophecies may be looking to the time
of the Messiah as a whole (prophetic foreshortening), in which the
inauguration of the Lord's kingdom and its culmination are described as
one picture seen from a great distance.  The actual fulfillment, its
timing (what relates to the first coming of Christ, what relates to His
second coming) and nature (is it literal or figurative), can be fully
understood only as it comes to pass and with the help of inspired
interpretations provided by the Lord and His apostles 
(e.g., Lk 24:44-47; 2Pe 3:13-14).

OUTLINE

I. THE SYRIAN-ISRAEL CRISIS (7:1-25)

   A. AHAZ THE FEARFUL...
      1. Jerusalem besieged by Syria and Israel - 7:1-2; cf. 2Ki 16:5
         a. In the days of Ahaz (ca. 735-732 B.C.)
         b. A coalition of Rezin king of Syria and Pekah king of Israel
         c. Ahaz and his people shaken
      2. Isaiah and his son sent to encourage Ahaz - 7:3-9
         a. He and Shear-Jashub ("A Remnant Shall Return") sent to Ahaz
         b. Ahaz told not to fear the plotting of Rezin and Pekah
         c. For within sixty-five years Ephraim (i.e., Israel, where
            Syria's forces were deployed) will be broken
         d. Ahaz must have faith for him to be established

   B. THE LORD'S SIGN...
      1. Ahaz refuses a sign from the Lord - 7:10-13
         a. Ahaz offered the opportunity to ask for a sign
         b. He refuses, hypocritically refusing to test the Lord
      2. The sign of the child Immanuel - 7:14-16
         a. A virgin shall conceive and bear a son, whose name shall be
            Immanuel
         b. Before the child to know right from wrong, the land will be
            forsaken by both kings

   C. THE COMING DESOLATION...
      1. The Lord will call for Assyria and Egypt - 7:17-20
         a. Nations that Ahaz thought might deliver him - cf. 2Ki 16:7
         b. Whom the Lord will use to bring desolation upon Judah!
      2. The desolation in those days - 7:21-25
         a. Curds and honey for those left in the land
         b. It will become a place of briers and thorns

II. THE ASSYRIAN INVADER (8:1-10:34)

   A. THE DOWNFALL OF DAMASCUS AND SAMARIA FORETOLD...
      1. The sign of Mahar-Shalal-Hash-Baz ("Speed the Spoil, Hasten the
         Booty") - 8:1-3
         a. Isaiah told to record the name in the presence of witnesses
         b. He and the prophetess have a son, his name
            Mahar-Shalal-Hash-Baz
      2. Before the child would know his parents, the riches and spoil
         of Damascus and Samaria would be taken by the king of Assyria
         - 8:4

   B. ASSYRIA WILL PASS THROUGH JUDAH...
      1. Because the people rejected the waters of Shiloah, trusting
         more in Rezin and Pekah - 8:5-6; cf. Jer 2:13,18
      2. The 'waters' of Assyria will fill Judah (Immanuel's land) to
         the neck - 8:7-8
      3. Yet the plans of Assyria will not stand, for "God is with us"
         (Immanuel) - 8:9-10

   C. CONFIDENCE TO BE PLACED IN GOD...
      1. Fear Him - 8:11-15
         a. Not conspiracy theories or threats
         b. The Lord will be a sanctuary, but a stumbling block and rock
            of offense to those who don't believe - cf. 1Pe 2:7-8
      2. The prophet's own trust and confidence in the Lord - 8:16-18
         a. The testimony (i.e., prophecy) to be bound and sealed - cf.
            the scroll, 8:1-2
         b. He will wait on the Lord and hope in Him
         c. He and his children are signs from the Lord of hosts - cf.
            7:3; 8:1-4
      3. Mediums and wizards not to be consulted - 8:19-22
         a. People should seek their God!
         b. They should look to the law and testimony (His Word) - cf.
            8:1-4,16-17
         c. If not, they will wander in trouble and darkness, gloom of
            anguish
      4. Better days are coming (i.e., the days of the Messiah) - 9:1-7
         a. Those in Zebulun and Naphtali (Galilee) will see a great
            light - cf. Mt 4:12-17
         b. The yoke and rod of oppression will be broken, as in day of
            Midian - cf. Judg 7:22-25
         c. A Child will be born, His government of peace and justice
            will have no end - Lk 1:30-33

   D. THE COMING DESTRUCTION OF ISRAEL...
      1. Israel (Ephraim and Samaria) to fall despite their arrogance
         - 9:8-12
         a. Despite their arrogance and attempts to rebuild
         b. The Syrians and Philistines shall devour Israel
         c. Even so, God's anger is not turned away
      2. Israel to fall for refusing to repent - 9:13-17
         a. They do not turn to God nor seek Him
         b. Their leaders will be removed, for they have misled Israel;
            the young men, the fatherless, the widows, they are all
            hypocrites and evildoers
         c. Even so, God's anger is not turned away
      3. Israel's punishment described - 9:18-21
         a. The land is burned up, the people as fuel for the fire
         b. Brother will turn against brother, Manasseh against Ephraim
         c. Even so, God's anger is not turned away
      4. Woe to those who decree unrighteous decrees - 10:1-4
         a. Who rob the needy of justice, prey on widows and the
            fatherless
         b. Desolation from afar will come, they shall be taken captive
            or fall among the slain
         c. Even so, God's anger is not turned away

   E. THE FUTILE BOASTING OF ASSYRIA...
      1. It arrogantly believes it conquers by its own strength
         - 10:5-11
         a. It is the rod of God's anger, used to punish His people
            (Israel, then Judah)
         b. It presumes that it can do to Jerusalem what it did to other
            nations and their gods
      2. God will punish Assyria when He through using it - 10:12-19
         a. When the Lord has finished His work on Mount Zion and
            Jerusalem
         b. The Lord will then punish the king of Assyria for his
            arrogance
         c. Assyria is but an instrument in the hand of God
         d. The Lord will send leanness, a burning fire to consume the
            glory of his forest and field

   F. THE DELIVERANCE BY THE LORD...
      1. A remnant of Israel will be saved - 10:20-23
         a. Those who will never again depend on him (Assyria) who
            defeated him
         b. They will depend on the Lord, the Holy One of Israel
         c. A remnant will return after the Lord makes a determined end
            in the land
      2. Therefore those in Zion (Judah) should not fear the Assyrian
         - 10:24-27
         a. Though he strike you with the rod and lift his staff against
            you, as did Egypt
         b. Yet a little while, and God's indignation and anger will
            cease
         c. The Lord of hosts will then stir up a scourge for him like
            He did Midian and Egypt - cf. Judg 7:25; Exo 14:21-31
         d. The Assyrian's burden and yoke will be removed and destroyed
      3. The march and defeat of Sennacherib (king of Assyria) foretold
         - 10:28-34
         a. He will advance through Aith, Migron, Michmash, Geba, Ramah,
            Gibeah, etc.
         b. He will threaten Zion and Jerusalem
         c. The Lord of hosts will cut his forest (army) down - cf.
            2Ki 19:32-37

III. JUDAH'S HOPE IN THE MESSIAH (11:1-12:6)

   A. THE REIGN OF THE "BRANCH"...
      1. A reign of righteousness - 11:1-5
         a. A "Rod" or "Branch" will come from the stem of Jesse
            (David's father)
         b. The Spirit of the Lord will be upon Him, His delight in the
            fear of the Lord
         c. He will judge with righteousness, equity, and the rod of His
            mouth
         d. He will be adorned with righteousness and faithfulness
      2. A reign of peace - 11:6-10
         a. The wolf and the lamb, etc., will dwell together and a
            little child shall lead them
         b. No harm shall be in His holy mountain, the earth full of the
            knowledge of the Lord
         c. The Root of Jesse will stand as a banner, Gentiles will seek
            Him
         d. His resting place will be glorious

   B. THE REMNANT OF ISRAEL...
      1. The Lord shall recover them - 11:11
         a. Setting His hand "the second time" (the restoration being
            the first?)
         b. From areas where they have been taken into captivity
      2. They shall be restored and reign over the nations - 11:12-16
         a. Those outcast and dispersed of Judah shall be assembled from
            the four corners
         b. The rivalry between Judah and Ephraim (Israel) shall cease
         c. They shall dominate their former enemies (Edom, Moab, Ammon,
            Egypt)
         d. There will be a highway for the remnant of His people left
            from Assyria

   C. THE HYMN OF PRAISE...
      1. Because of the salvation God brings them - 12:1-3
         a. Though once angry, the Lord will be the source of comfort
            - cf. 2Co 1:3-4
         b. God will become their salvation, their strength and song
            - cf. Ep 6:10; Php 4:13
         c. With joy they will draw from the wells of salvation 
            - cf. Jn 4:13-14
      2. Inviting others to join in songs of praise - 12:4-6
         a. To praise the Lord, call upon His name, declare His deeds,
            exalt His name
         b. To sing to the Lord for the excellent things He has done
         c. To cry out and shout, inhabitant of Zion, for great is the
            Holy One of Israel in your midst - cf. 1Pe 2:9; Re 21:2-3

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THIS SECTION

1) What is suggested as the theme of Isaiah chapters 7-12?
   - Judah's True Hope:  The Messianic King

2) Who was the king of Judah at this time?  Was he good or evil?  (7:1;
   2Ki 16:1-4)
   - Ahaz; a very wicked king who burned his children in the fire 
     (cf. 2 Chr 28:3)

3) What two kings of what two nations were besieging Jerusalem? (7:1)
   - Rezin king of Syria and Pekah king of Israel

4) What was Isaiah told to tell Ahaz and the house of David about these
   kings? (7:4-7)
   - Do not fear, their plans will fail

5) What sign did the Lord give to the house of Israel?  To whom did it
   ultimately refer? (7:14)
   - The virgin shall conceive and bear a Son whose name shall be called
     Immanuel
   - Mary and the birth of Jesus (cf. Mt 1:18-23)

6) What would happen within the time frame of the sign? (7:16)
   - The two kings feared by Ahaz would be gone

7) Instead of the two nations Ahaz feared, what two nations would
   desolate Judah? (7:17-19)
   - Assyria and Egypt

8) What was the name of Isaiah's second son?  What does it mean? (8:3)
   - Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz; "Speed the Spoil, Hasten The Booty"

9) What would happen before the child was old enough to know his
   parents? (8:4)
   - The riches of Damascus (capital of Syria) and the spoil of Samaria
     (capital of Israel) would be taken away by the king of Assyria

10) Why would this desolation come upon Judah? (8:6)
   - The people rejected the "waters of Shiloah" (i.e., God) and
     rejoiced in the kings of Syria and Israel

11) What did God tell Isaiah he should do?  To those who heeded the
    Lord, what would He be? To those who did not?  (8:13-14)
   - To hallow the Lord, to fear the Lord
   - As a sanctuary; a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense

12) To whom was Isaiah not to turn? Where was he to look instead?
    (8:19-20)
   - Mediums and wizards; to the law and the testimony

13) What hope was offered to those who lived in Galilee (northern
    Israel)?  When was this prophecy fulfilled? (9:1-2)
   - Upon those who walked in darkness, a light will shine; during
     Jesus' ministry (cf. Mt 4:13-18)

14) What would the Child or Son who would govern be called? (9:6)
   - Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of
     Peace

15) What would be the nature of His government? (9:7)
   - Peace and justice on the throne of David and His kingdom, ever
     increasing without end

16) Why would judgment come upon Israel, the northern kingdom? (9:8-9,
    13)
   - Because of their arrogance, and for refusing to return to the Lord

17) What means would God use to chasten Israel? (9:11-12,19-21)
   - The adversaries of Rezin (king of Syria) in Syria, along with the
     Philistines
   - Civil war among the Israelites themselves as brother turns against
     brother

18) What other misdeeds of Israel angered God? (10:1-4)
   - Leaders who decreed unrighteous decrees, robbing the needy of
     justice and oppressing the poor, widows and fatherless

19) What phrase is repeated four times to show that worse was yet to
    come? (9:12,17,21; 10:4)
   - "For all this His anger is not turned away, But His hand is
     stretched out still."

20) How did God view Assyria in His plans?  (10:5-6)
   - The rod of His anger, the staff of His indignation, sent to spoil
     His people

21) How did the king of Assyria view his conquests? (10:7-11)
   - They were the results of his own design and power

22) What would God do to the king of Assyria once His work on Jerusalem
    was done? (10:12)
   - Punish him for his arrogance

23) What would be the end result of God's use of Assyria on Israel? (10:
    20-23)
   - A remnant would return to God and never depend on such nations
     again

24) So what does the Lord tell His people who live in Zion or Jerusalem?
    (10:24-27)
   - Do not fear the Assyrian, for yet a little while the indignation
     will cease

25) When the king of Assyria made his way near Jerusalem, what would he
    do? (10:28-32)
   - Shake his fist at the mount of the daughter of Zion

26) What would the Lord do in return? (10:33-34)
   - Humble the haughty and cut down his forest, i.e., army 
     (cf. 2 Kin 19:32-37)

27) What was to come from the roots of Jesse? (11:1)
   - A Rod and a Branch

28) What was to rest upon Him?  What would be His delight? (11:2-3)
   - The Spirit of the Lord; the fear of the Lord

29) How shall He judge the poor and meek?  How shall He slay the wicked?
    (11:4-5)
   - With righteousness and equity; with the breath of His lips

30) How is the peaceful nature of His kingdom depicted? (11:6-9)
   - The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, etc.; a little child shall lead
     them
   - The infant shall not be harmed playing among a poisonous snake;
     they shall not hurt nor destroy in His holy mountain

31) Who shall seek the Root of Jesse? What is said of His resting place?
    (11:10)
   - Gentiles shall seek Him; it shall be glorious

32) Whom shall the Lord set His hand to recover a second time? (11:11)
   - The remnant of His people

33) In that day what would the remnant do? What would they encourage
    others to do? (12:1,4)
   - Praise the Lord as the God of their salvation; praise the Lord and
     call upon His name


Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2015

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From Mark Copeland... "THE BOOK OF ISAIAH" Isaiah's Vision Of The Holy God (6)


                          "THE BOOK OF ISAIAH"

                  Isaiah's Vision Of The Holy God (6)

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS SECTION

1) To examine Isaiah's vision of God sitting on His throne

2) To consider how God hardens the hearts of those who refuse to hear

3) To note that desolation and captivity would be themes of Isaiah's
   prophecy

SUMMARY

The sixth chapter contains Isaiah's Vision Of The Holy God.  It is
commonly thought the vision served as his commission to be a prophet of
God and thus marks the beginning of his ministry.  Others believe it
came to him after years of preaching and was designed to deepen his
spirituality (ISBE).  If it occurred at the beginning of his ministry,
Isaiah may have delayed its mention to stress his message rather than
himself as prophet.

The significance of the vision merits careful examination.  The first
section can be described as The Prophet's Vision, in which Isaiah
describes the revelation of the Lord of hosts exalted in the temple and
praised by seraphim (6:1-4).  The second section depicts The Prophet's
Reaction as his consciousness of guilt fills him with despair in what he
has seen (6:5).  In the third section, we read of The Prophet's
Absolution in which he is purged from his sin (6:6-7).  The final
section reveals The Prophet's Commission as Isaiah first accepts the
call for service and then told what the Lord would have him say to the
people.  The prospect for success appears dim for he is being sent to a
hardhearted people, but the vision closes on a promising note regarding
the holy seed (6:8-13).  What is noteworthy is that the apostle John
says that in this vision Isaiah saw the glory of Jesus Christ (Jn
12:37-41)!

OUTLINE

I. THE PROPHET'S VISION - REVELATION (6:1-4)

   A. THE DATE OF THE VISION...
      1. In the year King Uzziah died - 6:1a
      2. This would be about 740-739 B.C.
         a. Many believe this vision was the prophet's first call to
            preach
         b. If so, then Isaiah's ministry spanned nearly 50 years

   B. THE LORD IN THE VISION...
      1. Sitting on a throne, high and lifted up - 6:1b
      2. The train of His robe filling the temple (Solomon's temple?)
         - 6:1c

   C. THE SERAPHIM IN THE VISION...
      1. Their position - 6:2a
         a. Standing above the throne - cf. NKJV, KJV
         b. Or above the Lord - cf. ASV, NASB, NIV, NRSV
         c. Or around Him - cf. the Septuagint
      2. Their wings - 6:2b
         a. Each had six wings
         b. Two covered their faces, two covered their feet, with two
            they flew
         c. Not to be confused with 'cherubim' (cf. Eze 10:1-22)
            1) Cherubim were below the throne; seraphim were above it
            2) Cherubim primarily provided transportation; seraphim
               offered praise
            3) "The most that can be said with certainty about the
               seraphim is that they were a separate group of attendants
               who praised God at His throne" - ISBE (revised)
      3. Their praise - 6:3
         a. "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Hosts; the whole earth is
            full of His glory!"
         b. "The threefold recital of 'holy' probably indicates the
            absolute holiness of Him who sits on the throne" - Hailey

   D. THE AUDIOVISUALS IN THE VISION...
      1. The posts of the door shaken by the voice of the seraphim
         - 6:4a
      2. The house was filled with smoke - 6:4b
         a. The smoke may have been part of the 'Shekinah' or
            'glory-cloud'
         b. Which was often a manifestation of the presence of God - cf.
            Exo 40:34-38; 1Ki 8:10-11; Eze 10:4; Re 15:8

II. THE PROPHET'S REACTION - PROSTRATION (6:5)

   A. HIS DESPAIR...
      1. "Woe is me, for I am undone!" - 6:5a
      2. Compare with others who had similar visions
         a. Ezekiel (fell on his face) - Ezek 1:28
         b. Daniel (lost all strength, face on the ground) - Dan 10:5-10
         c. John (fell as dead) - Re 1:17

   B. HIS CONSCIOUSNESS OF GUILT...
      1. "Because I am a man of unclean lips" - 6:5b
      2. "And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips" - 6:5c
      3. "This expression evidently denotes that he was a 'sinner,' and
         especially that he was unworthy either to join in the praise of
         a God so holy, or to deliver a message in his name." - Barnes

   C. HIS REASON FOR HIS DESPAIR...
      1. "For my eyes have seen the King, The Lord of hosts" - 6:5d
      2. Perhaps he was mindful of Exo 33:20 ("for no man shall see Me,
         and live")
      3. How do we reconcile other statements like it? - cf. Jn 1:18;
         6:46; 1Ti 6:16; 1Jn 4:12
         a. What Isaiah saw was just a 'vision'
         b. Yet it appeared to him as real, and he reacted accordingly

III. THE PROPHET'S ABSOLUTION - PURIFICATION (6:6-7)

   A. APPROACHED BY A SERAPHIM...
      1. One of the seraphim flew to him - 6:6a
      2. In his hand a live coal taken with tongs from the altar - 6:6b
      3. If this was in the literal temple, then the altar was likely
         the 'altar of incense'

   B. PURGED OF HIS SIN...
      1. The seraphim touch Isaiah's mouth with the coal - 6:7a
      2. His iniquity is declared taken away and his sin purged - 6:7b
      3. He could now offer acceptable service to the Lord - cf. Ps 51:
         12-15

IV. THE PROPHET'S COMMISSION - CONSECRATION (6:8-13)

   A. THE LORD'S QUESTION AND ISAIAH'S RESPONSE...
      1. "Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?" - 6:8a
         a. The 'Us' may reflect the triune nature of the Godhead
         b. Compare Gen 1:26; Jn 1:1; 12:39-41
      2. "Here am I! Send me." - 6:8b
         a. Free from guilt, Isaiah has no fear in serving the Lord
         b. If we really believe our sins are forgiven, would we
            hesitate to go and do whatever or wherever the Lord would
            have us?

   B. THE COMMISSION GIVEN TO ISAIAH...
      1. The charge - 6:9-10
         a. What to tell the people
            1) "Keep on hearing, but do not understand;"
            2) "Keep on seeing, but do not perceive."
         b. What effect this will have on the people
            1) "Make the heart of this people dull, And their ears
               heavy, And shut their eyes;"
            2) "Lest they see with their eyes, And hear with their ears,
               And understand with their heart, And return and be
               healed."
         c. Isaiah was to preach, but God knew their hearts would only
            harden
            1) Jesus dealt with people who had similar hearts 
               - cf. Mt 13:13-15
            2) Then why preach?
               a) So those with hardened hearts will know on the day of
                  judgment just how hard their hearts really were!
               b) As we shall see, there is always a 'remnant' who will
                  accept the word
      2. The term - 6:11-12
         a. Isaiah asks "How long?" - 6:11a
         b. The Lord's response 6:11a-12
            1) "Until the cities are laid waste and without inhabitant"
            2) "The houses are without a man, The land is utterly
               desolate,"
            3) "The Lord has removed men far away, And the forsaken
               places are many in the midst of the land."
         c. I.e., until the day of judgment has come and passed; in
            Isaiah's day, until cities are destroyed and people taken
            captive
      3. The remnant and holy seed - 6:13
         a. A remnant shall return and be for consuming, like the stump
            of a tree cut down
         b. The stump shall contain the holy seed (the faithful remnant)
            - cf. Ro 11:5

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THIS SECTION

1) What vision does the sixth chapter of the book of Isaiah contain?
   - Isaiah's Vision Of The Holy God

2) What purpose did the vision serve?  What does it tell us about
   Isaiah's ministry? (6:1)
   - To call Isaiah and commission him as a prophet of God
   - That his ministry began in the year King Uzziah died

3) What did Isaiah see? Where was it? (6:1)
   - The Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up; in the temple

4) What stood above or around the Lord? What did one say to another?
   (6:2-3)
   - Seraphim, each with six wings
   - "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of
     His glory!"

5) What sounds and sights accompanied the voice of the one who cried
   out? (6:4)
   - The posts of the door were shaken; the house was filled with smoke

6) What was Isaiah's reaction?  Why did he feel this way? (6:5)
   - "Woe is me, for I am undone!"
   - He was a man of unclean lips (i.e., a sinner), living in the midst
     of others like him

7) How was Isaiah assured that his sin was purged? (6:6-7)
   - A seraphim took a live coal and touched his mouth with it, telling
     him that his iniquity was removed

8) What did Isaiah hear the Lord say?  How did he respond? (6:8)
   - "Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?"; "Here am I! Send me."

9) What was Isaiah to tell the people? What was he to do by such
   preaching? (6:9)
   - Keep on hearing, but do not understand; keep on seeing, but do not
     perceive.
   - Make the heart of this people dull, And their ears heavy, And shut
     their eyes

10) How long was Isaiah to proclaim his message? (6:11-12)
   - Until the land was desolate and the Lord has removed people far
     away

11) What small ray of hope was revealed to Isaiah in this vision? (6:13)
   - A tenth (remnant) shall remain in the land, though for burning; the
     holy seed will be in the stump


Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2015

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From Mark Copeland... "THE BOOK OF ISAIAH" Early Messages Of Isaiah (2-5)



                          "THE BOOK OF ISAIAH"

                     Early Messages Of Isaiah (2-5)

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS SECTION

1) To survey several messages of Isaiah, possibly presented in the early
   years of his ministry

2) To consider the first prophesy that looked forward to the age of the
   Messiah in which we now live

3) To introduce "foreshortening" and "figurative language" as concepts
   to understanding Biblical prophecy

SUMMARY

Chapter one (Introduction To The Entire Prophecy) provided an example of
the message God gave Isaiah to proclaim to Judah.  The next four
chapters (2-5) contain messages which speak of both the future and
present of Judah and Jerusalem.  Edward J. Young (The Book Of Isaiah)
proposes that they were Early Messages Of Isaiah presented near the
beginning of his ministry.

The first message is one of great hope, in which Zion's Glorious Future
is foretold.  The mountain of the Lord's house will be established in
the latter days, in which the word of the Lord will go forth from
Jerusalem.  Many will want to go up to the mountain of the Lord to learn
of His ways and walk in His paths of peace.  This message is clearly
Messianic and its fulfillment began with the coming of Christ (cf. Lk
24:46-47) and the establishment of His church, the house of the living
God (cf. 1Ti 3:15; also He 12:22-25).  The culmination of the prophecy
may extend even beyond the second coming of Christ, to the eternal
destiny of the redeemed, depicted in Revelation as the New Jerusalem
coming down out of heaven (Re 21:1-7,10-11,23-27).  If so, then we have
an example of what has been described as "prophetic foreshortening", in
which events far removed in the future are spoken of as if they were
close together (like looking at distant mountains; they may appear close
together, but actually be far apart).  It is in the fulfillment that we
learn various elements of a prophecy may be separated by a long period of
time (e.g., Joel 2:28-32).  Even so, the prophecy like Zion's Glorious
Future would encourage those of Isaiah's day to look forward with hope
(2:1-4).

The future hope of Zion (Jerusalem) is tempered, however, by Isaiah's
message concerning Zion's Inglorious Present.  The people of Judah in
Isaiah's day were being forsaken by God because they had left him to go
after worldliness, materialism, and idolatry.  Thus the "day of the
Lord" was about to come upon them, a time in which the arrogant would be
humbled, good leadership would cease to exist, and the women of Israel
disciplined for their wantonness.  Yet the purpose of this judgment was
to purify, and the remnant could look forward to blessings of "The
Branch" (the Messiah, 11:1), described in figurative terms that could be
understood by and give hope to Isaiah's original audience (2:5-4:6).

The reality of impending judgment is driven home by a message that
begins with a song depicting the relationship between God And Judah.
The Beloved (God) has built a vineyard and planted a choice vine (Judah)
that produced "wild grapes" (sin).  The Beloved is therefore forced to
lay waste the vineyard.  After categorizing the sins of the people upon
whom woe is to befall, judgment is described as nations from afar coming
to carry them away (5:1-30).

OUTLINE

I. ZION'S GLORIOUS FUTURE (2:1-4)

   A. THE MOUNTAIN OF THE LORD'S HOUSE...
      1. A message pertaining to Judah and Jerusalem - 2:1
      2. Events to occur in "the latter days" - 2:2a; cf. Dan 2:28,
         44-45; Ac 2:16-17; He 1:2
      3. The mountain of the Lord's house to be established - 2:2b
         a. On the top of the mountains
         b. Exalted above the hills
         c. All nations shall flow to it - cf. He 12:22-25

   B. THE WORD OF THE LORD FROM JERUSALEM...
      1. Many will want to go up to the mountain of the Lord - 2:3
         a. To the house of God Jacob - cf. Ac 15:14-17
         b. To learn of His ways, to walk in His paths - cf. Mt 11:28-
            30; 28:20
      2. Out of Zion shall go forth the law - 2:4
         a. The word of the Lord from Jerusalem - cf. Lk 24:46-47; Ac
            2,8
         b. He shall judge between the nations, rebuke many people
            1) They shall beat their swords into plowshares, spears into
               pruning hooks
            2) Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, nor learn
               war anymore - cf. Ep 2:11-22; Col 3:11; Ro 12:18; 14:17,
               19; also Re 21:10-11,23-27

II. ZION'S INGLORIOUS PRESENT (2:5-4:6)

   A. DESCRIPTION OF THE PEOPLE...
      1. Perhaps in view of the glorious future, a plea to walk in the
         light of the Lord - 2:5
      2. For God has forsaken them, and for good reasons
         a. They are infatuated with pagan customs and peoples - 2:6
         b. They are filled with symbols of wealth and power - 2:7
         c. The land is filled with idols, to which they worship and bow
            down - 2:8-9a
      3. Even Isaiah has lost his patience - 2:9b

   B. THE COMING OF "THE DAY OF THE LORD"...
      1. Coming upon all that are haughty and their idols - 2:10-18
      2. The fate of the people and their idols - 2:19-21
      3. An admonition to cease trusting in man - 2:22

   C. THE REMOVAL OF GOOD LEADERSHIP...
      1. The Lord will deprive the nation not only of supplies, but of
         good leaders - 3:1-7
      2. Because of Judah and Jerusalem's blatant wickedness - 3:8-9
      3. The righteous will be cared for, but not the wicked! - 3:10-11
      4. So poor leaders will be given to the people, and leaders who
         misused their power will be judged - 3:12-15

   D. THE WOMEN AND THEIR COMING TRAGEDY...
      1. Judgment to come upon them for their haughtiness and wantonness
         - 3:16-17
      2. A detailed description of their loss - 3:18-4:1
         a. The Lord will take away their finery
         b. Their men will fall by the sword and war
         c. They shall be left desolate, and desperate to remove their
            reproach

   E. THE RENEWAL OF ZION...
      1. "The Branch of the Lord shall be beautiful and glorious" - 4:2
         a. "In that day" - in the time of the Messiah
         b. For the Messiah is often depicted as a "branch" 
            - e.g., Isa 11:1; Jer 23:5; Zech 6:12
      2. Blessings for the remnant, in figures giving hope to Israel
         - 4:3-6
         a. The fruit of the earth shall be excellent and appealing
         b. They shall be holy when the filth and blood has been purged
            by judgment
         c. Above every dwelling place, a cloud of smoke by day, shining
            fire by night, a covering over all the glory
         d. A tabernacle for shade in the daytime heat, a place of
            shelter from storm and rain

III. GOD AND JUDAH (5:1-30)

   A. THE SONG OF THE BELOVED AND HIS VINEYARD...
      1. The Beloved planted a vineyard, but it produced wild grapes
         - 5:1-2
      2. The Lord tells Judah and Jerusalem that He will lay waste His
         vineyard - 5:3-6
      3. The vineyard identified as the house of Israel and the men of
         Judah; what the Lord wanted was justice and righteousness, what
         He got was oppression and cries for help - 5:7

   B. WOES TO THE "WILD GRAPES"...
      1. The rich who overbuild the land, they shall become desolate
         - 5:8-10
      2. The pleasure seekers, who shall go into captivity; they shall
         be humbled while the Lord will be exalted - 5:11-17
      3. The blatant sinners, who dare the Lord to do anything - 5:18-19
      4. The confused moralists, who call evil good and good evil - 5:20
      5. The arrogant and self-righteous - 5:21
      6. The mighty at drinking wine, taking bribes, depriving the
         righteous of justice - 5:22-23

   C. THE IMPENDING JUDGMENT...
      1. For rejecting the law of the Lord, and despising His word
         - 5:24
      2. The Lord's anger is aroused against His people, He has already
         struck the land - 5:25
      3. He will call for mighty nations to invade the land - 5:26-30
         a. Nations from afar, that will not stumble nor sleep
         b. Whose weapons are ready, and will devour like the lion
         c. Who will take them away, while the land is left in darkness
            and sorrow

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THIS SECTION

1) What do chapters 2-5 likely contain?
   - Early messages of Isaiah

2) What is foretold at the beginning of this section? (2:1-4)
   - Zion's glorious future

3) When will it happen?  When did it begin? (2:2)
   - In the last days
   - With the coming of Christ and the outpouring of the Spirit (Ac
     2:16-17; He 1:1-2)

4) What will happen in those days? (2:2-3)
   - The mountain of the Lord's house will be established on the top of
     the mountains
   - All nations will flow to it, to learn the ways of the Lord
   - Out of Zion shall go forth the law, the word of the Lord from
     Jerusalem (Lk 24:46-47)

5) What will the Lord do?  What will His people do? (2:4)
   - Judge many nations, rebuke many people
   - Beat their swords into plowshares, their spears into pruning hooks

6) What does Isaiah describe in the rest of chapters 2-4?
   - Zion's inglorious present

7) What was the moral condition of the people in Isaiah's day? (2:5-9)
   - They are infatuated with pagan customs and peoples
   - They are filled with symbols of wealth and power
   - The land is filled with idols, to which they worship and bow down

8) What was coming, and upon whom? (2:10-22)
   - The day of the Lord of hosts
   - Those who were haughty and trusting in idols

9) What would the Lord take away from them?  What would He give them in
   return? (3:1-12)
   - Good leaders; inexperienced and weak leaders

10) What is said concerning the righteous that is comforting? (3:10)
   - It shall be well with them, they shall eat of the fruit of their
     doings

11) Whose is then condemned by the Lord? Why? (3:16-23)
   - The daughters of Zion; for their haughtiness and wantonness

12) What will happen to them? (3:24-4:1)
   - Their finery will be taken away, their men will fall by the sword

13) What is promised for the remnant who survive? (4:2-6)
   - The Branch of the Lord will be beautiful and glorious
   - The fruit of the earth shall be excellent and appealing
   - They will be called holy
   - Above every dwelling place of Mount Zion and her assemblies, a
     cloud of smoke by day and a flaming fire at night
   - A tabernacle for shade in the daytime heat, a shelter from the
     storm and rain

14) What song does Isaiah then sing? What is it about? Who is it
    about? (5:1-7)
   - A song of his Beloved and His vineyard
   - His Beloved built a vineyard and planted the choicest vine, but it
     produced wild grapes
   - His Beloved would therefore lay waste the vineyard
   - The house of Israel and the men of Judah

15)  Upon whom were "woes" to come? (5:8-23)
   - The rich who overbuild the land
   - The pleasure seekers
   - The blatant sinners
   - The confused moralists, who call evil good and good evil
   - The arrogant and self-righteous
   - The mighty at drinking wine, taking bribes, depriving others of
     justice

16) In summary, what was the reason for their impending judgment? (5:24)
   - For rejecting the law of the Lord, and despising His word

17) How was the Lord's anger aroused against His people? (5:25-30)
   - He has already struck the land
   - He would call for mighty nations to invade the land

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2015

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From Mark Copeland... "THE BOOK OF ISAIAH" Introduction To The Entire Prophecy (1)


                         "THE BOOK OF ISAIAH"

                Introduction To The Entire Prophecy (1)

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS SECTION

1) To begin our study of Isaiah, with an introduction and sample of the
   entire prophecy

2) To observe God's condemnation of Judah for lack of compassion and
   justice for the fatherless and widows, along with idolatrous worship

3) To see the redemption God offered for those willing to repent, and
   the destruction promised to those who persist in their rebellion

SUMMARY

The book of Isaiah begins with a heading that defines the nature of
Isaiah's message as a 'vision' concerning Judah and Jerusalem received
during the reigns of four kings of Judah:  Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and
Hezekiah.  This would place the date of Isaiah's work approximately
739-690 B.C. (1).

The first chapter serves as an introduction to the entire prophecy,
especially the first section of the book (Prophecies Concerning Judah
And Jerusalem, chs. 1-12), and provides an example of the messages God
wanted Isaiah to deliver.  It begins with what has been described as
"The Great Arraignment", in which the Lord indicts Israel for rebellion.
The corrupt condition of the nation and city is described and their
hypocritical worship condemned (2-15).

Even so, the Lord offers a call to repentance.  For those willing to
cleanse themselves and replace their evil doings with justice and
compassion, they can be forgiven and eat the good of the land.  For
those who refuse and continue in their rebellion, they will be devoured
by the sword (16-20).

The last half of chapter contains an announcement of the coming judgment
upon Judah and Jerusalem. The corrupt condition of Jerusalem is
described, for the 'faithful' city has become a 'harlot.'  The city is
full of murderers and rebellious princes who care not for the widows and
fatherless, but only rewards and bribes.  The Lord promises to purge the
city of His enemies and restore good judges and counselors, that she
might once again be the 'faithful' city.  Those who repent will see Zion
redeemed with justice and righteousness, but those who continue to
forsake the Lord will be consumed.  The gardens in which they worshiped
idols will be burned like dry vegetation (21-31).

How the Lord will carry out His judgment will be revealed later in the
book.

OUTLINE

I. THE HEADING (1:1)

   A. NATURE OF THE BOOK...
      1. Called a 'vision'
      2. Prophets were originally called 'seers' - 1Sa 9:9
      3. Therefore the "vision of Isaiah...which he saw" refers to the
         'sight' or 'word' inspired from God; i.e., a prophecy

   B. AUTHOR OF THE BOOK...
      1. "Isaiah the son of Amoz", possibly a kinsman to the king
      2. His name means "Salvation is of the LORD", very much in keeping
         with the theme of his prophecy

   C. SUBJECT OF THE BOOK...
      1. "concerning Judah and Jerusalem"
      2. The moral conditions of Judah and Jerusalem, and what God plans
         to do with them

   D. DATE OF THE BOOK...
      1. "in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah"
      2. Approximately 739-690 B.C.

II. JUDAH'S SINFUL CONDITION (1:2-15)

   A. "THE GREAT ARRAIGNMENT"...
      1. In which the LORD 'indicts' Israel in the presence of witnesses
         (heaven and earth)
      2. The 'indictment' - 1:2-3
         a. Rebellious children who do not know their Father
         b. Unlike the ox that knows its owner, and the donkey its
            master's crib

   B. THE CONDITION OF THE NATION...
      1. A sinful, corrupt nation that has turned away from God - 1:4
      2. Like a body festering with wounds and sores, yet asking for
         more - 1:5-6
      3. The countryside overthrown by strangers, Jerusalem besieged
         - 1:7-8
      4. Except for a small remnant, would have become like Sodom and
         Gomorrah - 1:9

   C. THEIR HYPOCRITICAL WORSHIP...
      1. God can no longer endure their religious activities - 1:10-14
      2. God will not answer their prayers, for blood is on their hands
         - 1:15

III. THE CALL TO REPENTANCE (1:16-20)

   A. AN APPEAL TO REPENT...
      1. Cleanse yourselves, put away evil - 1:16
      2. Do good, seek justice, reprove the oppressor, defend the
         fatherless and widow - 1:17

   B. GOD'S GRACIOUS INVITATION AND WARNING...
      1. An invitation to be made "white as snow" and "white as wool"
         - 1:18
      2. Blessings for those who obey, dire consequences for those who
         rebel - 1:19-20
         a. Those who heed will eat of the land
         b. Those who refuse will be devoured by the sword

IV. ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE COMING JUDGMENT (1:21-31)

   A. THE CORRUPT CONDITION OF JERUSALEM...
      1. Once faithful, now a 'harlot' - 1:21a
      2. Once full of justice and righteousness, now murderers - 1:21b
      3. A 'polluted' city - 1:22
      4. Her princes corrupt and heartless, caring not for fatherless
         and widows - 1:23

   B. THE CITY TO BE PURIFIED...
      1. The Lord to get rid of His enemies - 1:24
      2. The Lord to purge away the "dross" - 1:25
      3. The Lord to restore good judges and counselors - 1:26a
      4. Once again it will be called "the righteous city, the faithful
         city" - 1:26b

   C. PENITENTS REDEEMED, TRANSGRESSORS CONSUMED...
      1. Those penitent will be redeemed with justice and righteousness
         - 1:27
      2. Those who forsake the Lord will destroyed and consumed - 1:28
         a. They will be ashamed of their trees and gardens (where
            idolatry was practiced) - 1:29
         b. Despite their strength, they shall be consumed like dry
            vegetation - 1:30-31

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THIS SECTION

1) How does Isaiah describe his message?  Who does it concern?  (1:1)
   - As a vision; Judah and Jerusalem

2) During what kings did Isaiah proclaim his message?  Approximately
   when? (1:1)
   - Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah; 739-690 B.C.

3) Whom does God call as witnesses against Israel? (1:2)
   - Heaven and earth

4) What charges does He bring against her? (1:2-3)
   - His children have rebelled against Him, they do not know Him

5) How is the nation described? (1:4)
   - A sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a brood of
     evildoers, children who are corrupters

6) How is the condition of the nation depicted? (1:5-6)
   - The head is sick, the heart faint
   - The body covered with untreated wounds and festering sores

7) What is the condition of the countryside?  The city of Jerusalem?
   (1:7-8)
   - Desolate, cities burned with fire, strangers devouring the land
   - Like a booth in a vineyard, a besieged city

8) If God had not left them a remnant, what would they have been like?
   (1:9)
   - Sodom and Gomorrah

9) What is it that God can no longer endure? (1:10-14)
   - Their worship with its sacrifices and assemblies

10) Why will God not accept their worship and prayers? (1:15)
   - Their hands are full of blood

11) What does God want them to do? (1:16-17)
   - Put away evil, do good, seek justice, rebuke the oppressor, defend
     the fatherless and widow

12) What comforting promise does God offer regarding their sins?
    (1:18)
   - "Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow;
     Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool."

13) What is promised to the obedient?  To the rebellious? (1:19-20)
   - They shall eat the good of the land
   - They shall be devoured by the sword

14) How is the city of Jerusalem described? (1:21-23)
   - A harlot, a place of murderers
   - Silver mixed with dross, wine mixed with water
   - Rebellious princes, companions of thieves who care more for bribes
     than the helpless

15) What does God promise to do with Zion, that is, Jerusalem
    (1:24-27)
   - Take vengeance on His enemies
   - Purge away the dross
   - Restore good judges and counselors
   - Redeem the city with justice, her penitents with righteousness

16) What will happen to the transgressors and sinners? (1:28-31)
   - Those who forsake the Lord will be consumed
   - They will be ashamed of their trees and gardens
   - They shall be burned like dry vegetation


Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2015

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From Mark Copeland... "THE BOOK OF ISAIAH" The Man, The Times, And The Book


                          "THE BOOK OF ISAIAH"

                    The Man, The Times, And The Book

Isaiah is often referred to as "The Messianic Prophet", because of his
many prophecies that were fulfilled in Jesus.  The New Testament quotes
and applies more scriptures from the book of Isaiah than any other Old
Testament prophet.

Yet Isaiah's work was not solely foretelling the future.  A prophet of
God was not primarily a future teller, but one who spoke God's word to
the people of his own day.  The word "prophet" literally means "to boil
up like a fountain."  Therefore a prophet was a spokesman for God; not
so much a "foreteller" as a "forth teller"!

Isaiah was God's spokesman to Judah and Jerusalem at time when the
nation was immersed in sin.  He spoke God's indictment against their
sins, urging them to repent.  He then foretold destruction upon them if
they did not return to God.

In the midst of these dire warnings, Isaiah also foretold of a bright
future with the coming Messiah.  God would not forget His covenant made
to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David.  He would spare a remnant of the
nation of Israel out of which would come the Messiah and His new
kingdom.

ISAIAH, THE MAN

His name (Isaiah) means "salvation of the Lord" or "the Lord is
salvation", and is certainly symbolic of his message.  He is described
as "the son of Amoz" (Isa 1:1; 2:1; 13:1), of whom the Bible reveals
nothing.  He was married and had two sons, Shear-Jashub ("the remnant
shall return", Isa 7:3) and Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz ("in-speed-spoil-booty-
hastens", Isa 8:3), whose names also symbolized his message.

Tradition says that Amoz was a brother of Amaziah, the son of Joash,
king of Judah (2Ki 14:1).  This would make Isaiah a close relative to
those who were kings during his lifetime, and would explain his close
association with kings and priests and involvement with world affairs.

Isaiah received his visions in the days of "Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and
Hezekiah, kings of Judah" (Isa 1:1).  It is generally thought the vision
of the throne scene which occurred "in the year Uzziah died" (Isa 6:1)
was the beginning point of his ministry as a prophet (ca. 739 B.C.).
According to Jewish tradition, Isaiah was executed by Manasseh only a
few years after he ascended the throne.  One source describes Isaiah as
having been sawn asunder with a wooden saw (cf. He 11:37).  This would
mean Isaiah prophesied during a period of approximately fifty years (ca.
739-690 B.C.).

ISAIAH, THE TIMES

It was a time of great political turmoil for the nation of Judah.
Assyria was expanding its empire, attacking Israel and Syria to the
north.  When Judah refused to joined a coalition with Israel and Syria
to resist Assyria, Judah was attacked by Israel and Syria in
retaliation.  As Judah seriously considered inviting Assyria to help,
Isaiah sought to encourage the king and the people to trust only in
Jehovah.  King Ahaz of Judah rejected Isaiah's advice and asked Assyria
to come to his aid.  Assyria accepted, and the capital of Israel
(Samaria) fell in 722 B.C. (Hendriksen)

It soon became apparent that Judah was next on Assyria's hit list.
Judah began looking to Egypt in the south for help.  Once again, Isaiah
counseled the nation to make no alliances but trust only in the Lord.
King Hezekiah heeded Isaiah and God rewarded his faith by destroying the
Assyrian host (Isa 36-37).  But in a moment of weakness Hezekiah showed
the ambassadors from Babylon (Assyria's enemy) the house of his
treasures (Isa 39:1-2).  This prompted Isaiah to foretell that the
king's treasures and his descendants would be taken away to Babylon (Isa
39:5-7).  With this prophecy as an introduction, in chapters 40-66
Isaiah speaks from the viewpoint of Babylonian exile and foretells of
coming pardon, deliverance, and restoration. (ibid.)

During this time God sent several prophets to Israel and Judah.  Hosea
(750-725 B.C.) prophesied mainly to Israel, the northern ten tribes.
Micah (735-700 B.C.) together with Isaiah spoke primarily to Judah in
the south.

ISAIAH, THE BOOK

Two major themes run throughout the book.  There is the exhortation to
"Trust in the Holy One of Israel".  Faith in the Lord would assure
forgiveness for their transgressions and deliverance from their enemies.
Eight times the people are urged to "wait upon the Lord" (cf. Isa
40:28-31).  "The Messiah to come and the glory of His age" is another
dominate message.  Isaiah spoke frequently of the events to come,
foretelling the fall of heathen nations and the establishment of the
kingdom of the Messiah who would rule in justice and righteousness (cf.
Isa 2:1-5).

Isaiah's favorite designation for Jehovah (Yahweh) is "The Lord of
Hosts", used 62 times in the book.

"The name designates the Lord as omnipotent, and...is used by all the
writing prophets except Ezekiel, Joel, Obadiah, and Jonah.  The term
'hosts' designated the armies of Israel.  It could also refer to the
angels, the heavenly messengers of the Lord, and to the stars as God's
hosts.  When, as here, it appears without further qualification, it
designates the Lord as the God of all hosts, and is thus an equivalent
expression for the 'all-powerful God'." - Edward J. Young

Another designation for the Lord used by Isaiah is "The Holy One Of
Israel".  In his book it is used 25 times, while found only six times in
all the rest of the Bible.

The book of Isaiah can be divided into two major parts:

The Assyrian Period (chapters 1-39) - The prophet proclaims the Lord's
indictment against Judah and Jerusalem, and the coming judgment against
them.  He portrays the sovereign rule of the Lord of Hosts who judges
not only Israel, but heathen nations as well.  He prophesies that the
Lord will use Assyria, Babylon, and the Medes to execute His purposes,
and afterward judge each of these along other nations, bringing them to
desolation because of their sins. (Harkrider)

The Babylonian Period (chapters 40-66) - Isaiah exhorts an afflicted
people to have faith and patience.  He describes the salvation and
future blessings to come upon the true Israel of God.  Though Isaiah did
not live during the period of Babylonian captivity, through inspiration
he was able to speak words of comfort to those who would experience that
difficult time of Israel's history. (ibid.)

GENERAL OUTLINE

I. THE ASSYRIAN PERIOD - CONFLICT AND VICTORY (1-39)

   A. PROPHECIES CONCERNING JUDAH AND JERUSALEM (1-12)

   B. PROPHECIES CONCERNING THE NATIONS (13-27)

   C. THE SOURCE OF TRUE DELIVERANCE (28-35)

   D. HISTORICAL INTERLUDE (36-39)

II. THE BABYLONIAN PERIOD - HOPE FOR TROUBLED TIMES (40-66)

   A. THE ONE TRUE GOD VERSUS IDOLS (40-48)

   B. SALVATION THROUGH THE SUFFERING SERVANT (49-53)

   C. THE FUTURE GLORY FOR GOD'S PEOPLE (54-66)

REASONS TO STUDY THE BOOK

There are many reasons why Christians should read and study the book of
Isaiah.  Among them:

It increases faith in Jesus as the Messiah, as one reads the messianic
prophecies that were fulfilled in Him.

It strengthens hope in God as the One who is ultimately in control of
all things, and will bring His purposes to pass.

It inspires love for God and His Messiah, as one reads of the blessings
to be found in obedience to God's Word.

It enlarges understanding as to how God ruled in the nations of men in
the past, and how Christ may exercise His rule in the nations today.

Give yourself the opportunity to be blessed by this wonderful book of
the Bible!

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE INTRODUCTION

1) What is Isaiah frequently called?  What does his name mean?
   - The Messianic prophet; "Salvation is of the Lord" or "The Lord is
     salvation"

2) Who did he primarily preach to?  During what kings of Judah did he
   prophesy?
   - Judah and Jerusalem; Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah

3) Approximately when did he serve as a prophet of God?  How many years?
   - During the years of 739-690 B.C.; 50 years

4) What other prophets were contemporary with Isaiah?  To Whom did they
   prophesy?
   - Hosea (750-725 B.C.) - Israel
   - Micah (735-700 B.C.) - Judah

5) What nation was threatening Israel and Judah from the north?  What
   coalition attacked Judah for not aligning with them against the
   northern invader?
   - Assyria; Israel and Syria

6) To whom did Judah turn for help in the days of King Ahaz?
   - Assyria

7) When did Samaria fall and Israel taken into captivity?
   - 722 B.C.

8) When Assyria threatened Judah, what country was Judah tempted to look
   to for help?
   - Egypt in the south

9) Who did Isaiah convince to place his trust in the Lord instead of
   political alliances?
   - King Hezekiah

10) How did God reward this king for his faith?
   - Destroyed the Assyrian host in one night

11) What mistake did the king make that prompted the prophesy of
    Judah's captivity?
   - He showed the treasuries of his house to the ambassadors from
     Babylon

12) What are the two major sections of the book?
   - The Assyrian Period, Conflict And Victory (1-39)
   - The Babylonian Period, Hope For Troubled Times (40-66)

13)  What are two major themes running through the book?
   - "Trust in the Holy One of Israel"
   - "The Messiah to come and the glory of His age"

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2015

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